News Release

Monday, May 18, 2009

Man Shot near 101 Freeway Offramp Crashes Car at City Park NR09xxxrf

Los Angeles: Early this morning, a man was involved in a car crash after being seriously wounded in a shooting that occurred under a U.S. 101 Freeway overpass on Hayvenhurst Avenue in Encino.

On Friday, May 15, at about 2:45 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Valley Division patrol officers were investigating a car crash in which the driver, a 59-year-old male resident of Encino, had sustained several gunshot wounds. The investigation determined that he drove away from the location of the shooting on Hayvenhurst Avenue, lost control of his car, collided with a streetlight pole and eventually careened onto the grass in Encino Park where his vehicle came to a stop.

The driver/victim, who was still in the driver’s seat when police arrived, was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics to a local hospital where he is currently in critical but stable condition. The motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact LAPD West Valley homicide detectives at 818-374-7725. After-hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.